JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Wildfires raged on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of communities and the closure of a main highway as Israel appealed for international assistance to help fight the blaze.

Wildfires raging near Jerusalem forced evacuations in several areas and led to several major road closures on Wednesday, as firefighters struggle to contain the flames amid dry conditions and high winds.

The fires interrupted memorial day ceremonies, and Israel’s top firefighter called the blazes “one of the toughest events” he has faced.